How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Virginia, VA? 2023

It’s no secret that the cost of building a house in Virginia can vary greatly depending on several factors. But what might surprise you is how much those costs can change from one city or county to the next.

For example, according to recent data from the National Association of Home Builders, the average cost to build a house in Arlington County is more than $500,000. In contrast, the average cost to build a house in Prince William County is less than $350,000.

So what accounts for this discrepancy? And which location offers the best value for your money? Read on to find out.

Virginia House Building Cost Summary

In Virginia (VA), we estimate the average cost to build a new house of 2,000 square feet (basic structure without any custom features or finishes) to be between $150,000 – $180,000. Of course, the actual cost will vary depending on several factors, including:

Building & Other Permit Fee	$3,500-$5,000
Construction Materials & Methods	$110-$135 per square foot
Land Acquisition	$25,000-$100,000+
Labor Costs	$35-$45 per square foot

Generally, you can expect the cost of building a new house in Virginia to be anywhere from $150,000 to $500,000+. Remember that this is just an estimate, and your actual costs may be higher or lower depending on the specific location, materials used, required permits, etc.

Cost to Build a House by City in Virginia

As we mentioned above, the cost of building a new house in Virginia can vary greatly depending on the city or county you choose. Here is a closer look at the average cost of building a house in some of the most populated cities and counties in Virginia:

City	Price
Arlington County	$500,000+
Fairfax County	$400,000-$500,000
Prince William County	$350,000-$400,000
Loudoun County	$325,000-$375,000
Henrico County	$300,000-$350,000
Chesterfield County	$275,000-$325,000
Fairfax City	$250,000-$300,000
Alexandria	$225,000-$275,000

As you can see, the cost of building a house in Arlington is significantly higher than in other parts of the state. This is likely because Arlington is considered part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and land prices are correspondingly higher.

Prince William County may be the best bet if you’re looking for a more affordable option. The average cost to build a house in Prince William County is still quite high, but it is significantly lower than in Arlington or Fairfax County.

It’s also worth noting that the cost of building a house in Loudoun County has been rising in recent years. This is likely because Loudoun County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the country, and land prices have increased accordingly.

The Future of Residential Construction Industry in Virginia Cities

The construction industry in Virginia is booming, and there are no signs of it slowing down anytime soon. In fact, according to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, the number of building permits issued for new residential construction in the state has increased steadily over the past few years. In 2017, 19,631 building permits were issued for new single-family homes in Virginia. This is up from 18,988 in 2016 and 17,345 in 2015.

The trend is even more pronounced when you look at the data on a city-by-city basis. For example, in Fairfax County, the number of building permits issued for new single-family homes increased from 2,673 in 2016 to 3,142 in 2017. That’s an increase of more than 17%. In Loudoun County, the number of building permits issued for new single-family homes increased from 1,861 in 2016 to 2,384 in 2017. That’s an increase of more than 28%.

These trends will likely continue in the coming years as more and more people move to Virginia in search of affordable housing options. What does this mean for you? If you’re planning to build a new house in Virginia, now is a good time to do it. Land prices are still relatively low, and there is a good chance that they will continue to increase.

House Construction Costs by Home Type in Virginia, VA 2023

The table below shows the estimated costs to build a typical new home in Virginia by house type in 2023. Remember that these are just estimates, and your actual costs may be higher or lower depending on the specific location, materials used, permits required, etc.

House Type	Average Cost to Build (in 2023)
Single-Family Home	$250,000-$325,000
Multi-Family Home	$350,000-$500,000
Townhouse	$225,000-$275,000
Condominium	$200,000-$250,000

As you can see, building a single-family home in Virginia is relatively affordable. The average cost is between $250,000 and $325,000. The cost to build a multi-family home is slightly higher, averaging between $350,000 and $500,000. The cost to build a townhouse is lower than that of a single-family home, averaging between $225,000 and $275,000. And the cost to build a condominium is the lowest of all, averaging between $200,000 and $250,000.

Of course, these are just averages, and your actual costs may be higher or lower depending on the specific location, materials used, permits required, etc.

15 Vital Tips to Build a House in Virginia (VA) in 2023

If you’re planning to build a house in Virginia in 2023, you should keep a few things in mind. Here are 15 tips to help you get started:

1. Get pre-approved for a construction loan before looking for land. This will give you a better idea of how much money you can borrow and your monthly payments.

2. Look for land in a city or county with a lower property tax rate. This can save you a lot of money in the long run.

3. Choose a location close to schools, shopping, and other amenities. This will make your life much easier and more convenient.

4. Make sure the land you choose is suitable for the home you want to build. For example, if you’re planning to build a large home, you’ll need to ensure the land is big enough to accommodate it.

5) Work with a reputable builder with experience building houses in Virginia. This will help ensure that your house is built to code and that you’re happy with the final product.

6. Get multiple bids from different contractors before you choose one to build your house. This will help you get the best possible price for your new home.

7. Make sure all of the contractor’s workers are properly licensed and insured. This will protect you in case of any accidents or damage during construction.

8. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of permits when you’re budgeting for your new home. Depending on the city or county where you’re building, these can be very expensive.

9. Be prepared for unexpected costs. There’s always a chance that something will come up that you didn’t plan for, so it’s important to have some extra money set aside.

10. Ensure you understand the warranties and guarantees that come with your new home. This will protect you in case of any problems later on down the road.

11. Have a realistic idea of how much time and money it will take to build your new home. It’s important to be patient and to budget accordingly.

12. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Many resources are available to help you build your dream home, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.

13. Be flexible with your plans. Things change, and you may need to adjust your original plans as construction progresses.

14) Stay organized throughout the construction process. This will help you stay on track and avoid any unnecessary delays.

15) Have fun! Building a new home is an exciting process, so enjoy it, and don’t forget to take some pictures along the way.

Some most common questions asked about (Virginia House Building): FAQs.

Conclusion

Building a house in Virginia is a big undertaking, but it can be a very rewarding experience. It would be best if you kept a few things in mind, such as getting a building permit and hiring a reputable contractor. However, if you are prepared for the challenges involved, you will be able to build your dream home in Virginia.